snowdon in the snow 2011

Walking up the highest mountain in the UK outside of Scotland in the snow has become increasingly difficult over the last 6 years but somehow we’ve always managed it. It shouldn’t be a problem this year as there is plenty of snow fall which still remains on higher ground.

Starting in Llanberis the route will ascend and descend the mountain using the Llanberis Path. Approximately 5 miles each way with a height gain of about 2800 feet the route should take about 5 hours.

Meet at the United Reform Church, Peel Street, Marsden at 7am or in Llanberis, in the car park of Electric Mountain – Dinorwig Power Station at 10am. After the walk we’ll meet in Pete’s Eats for the traditional hearty feast and tales of derrin doo. The start of the route is very steep and quite uninspiring, Stephan the owner of Penceunant Isaf – a small tea room and bunk house at the top of the steep section normally allows me to park a couple of cars on his car park for those who want to omit this beginning section.

Let me know if I’ve missed anything or if there’s a particular bit of personal kit that you find useful that I don’t know about.

Route

The route is fairly straight forward and should be achievable by anyone with reasonable fitness. There are no climbing or ‘hands on’ sections but care needs to be taken in two places. The path takes a sharp turn south after passing under the bridge after Clogwyn Station.Care should be taken not to navigate over the cliff in bad visibility.

The path traverses the mountain about 200 metres above the cliffs of Clogwyn Coch. Because of the camber on the path at this section, when icy it is possible, when icy, to slip down the slope and over the cliffs. These risks are small but must be considered. We stick together as a group and make sure the mix experienced navigators, people familiar with the route and first aiders is balanced with people with no or little experience.